New York state plans to better-promote its historic landmarks to tourists

MOREAU -- State parks officials are launching efforts to maximize New York's potential for attracting history lovers from all parts of the world.

From the American Revolution to the Erie Canal's role in promoting America's westward expansion, New York has a wealth of historic assets in many walks of life -- sports, politics, military, finance -- that in some instances are underappreciated and seldom noticed.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo's new "Path Through History" initiative would change that by making New York more of a destination for historical tourism.

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"Our governor is really a huge history buff and feels we should know our local history, not just national history," said Heather Mabee, chairwoman of the Saratoga-Capital Region Parks Commission.

The group met Thursday at Moreau Lake State Park.

"A lot of other states are way ahead of us in thinking through their identities," regional parks Commissioner Alane Ball Chinian said.

For example, New York contributed more men, money and supplies to the Union cause than any other state during the Civil War, whose 150th anniversary is currently being observed. But there is very little formal recognition of it, particularly by the state.

In contrast, Southern states such as Virginia draw thousands of visitors annually to ceremonies and major re-enactments that pay tribute to their heritage.

Some American Revolution and French and Indian War events are held locally, but officials believe much more is possible.

The new historical promotion efforts will be broken down as part of the governor's regional approach to statewide economic development. The state now has 10 different regional economic councils charged with creating jobs and promoting development in their respective areas.

A Capital District group recently held an idea-gathering meeting in which people shared information about various historic sites in the region.

"We're trying to come up with themes," Mabee said. "How are we going to promote this? There are sites that I didn't even know existed."

There are 10 formal state historic sites in the Saratoga-Capital Region alone, and Saratoga National Historical Park, a federal park, is where one of the most important battles in world history occurred during the Revolutionary War.

However, there are many lesser-known but significant buildings, monuments and features in the region, such as the birthplaces and gravesites of famous Americans. President Chester Arthur is buried in Albany Rural Cemetery.

Each region will be charged with identifying various places that can be highlighted with signs along major highways and promotional materials. A statewide conference to kick-start the program is expected in late summer or early fall.

Attention returns to upgrades

In other action, parks officials discussed the need to get various park upgrades designed so plans will be ready when funding for their construction becomes available.

For example, Moreau Lake State Park's master plan was completed almost a decade ago, calling for a new recreational vehicle area and a new cabin colony, both of which could generate additional revenue.

However, neither project has ever been designed because the entire state parks system has a roughly $1 billion backlog of projects related to basic health and safety. So state engineers haven't had the time or financial resources to draw up blueprints for new facilities.

"We need to at least take that first step," said Robert Kuhn, assistant regional commissioner. "You have to have the designs on the shelf so that when the money appears, you're ready to go."

Moreau Lake State Park currently has three cabins that are usually booked months in advance. The firm ReserveAmerica, which handles reservations, has named the park's lakeshore cabin to its list of top 20 most popular cabins in the country.

"It's easier to get a room at the Ritz than it is here," commission member Thomas Maggs said.

SPAC policy keeping park clean

In another matter, officials said the tough anti-drinking policy during Saratoga Performing Arts Center rock concerts has reduced overtime costs related to next-day cleanup efforts at Saratoga Spa State Park.

"The no-alcohol policy has reduced the amount of garbage," Kuhn said. "We don't have to put as many people out there. The park is cleaner a lot quicker now after concerts."